Poplar Bluff city officials have not released information concerning the fate of a street department superintendent who was bound over for trial Monday on charges of threatening another employee with a shotgun.
Denis Kearbey has been ordered to appear Dec. 27 before Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett for arraignment.
A preliminary hearing was held Monday afternoon. The Poplar Bluff City Council met Monday evening for their regular meeting. A closed session agenda included personnel matters.
City manager Mark Massingham was asked Wednesday for information regarding Kearbey.
Nothing regarding Kearbey's future employment was received as of press time Saturday afternoon.
Kearbey has been on paid administrative leave since Sept. 13, and is currently barred by court order from stepping onto city property or approaching the alleged victim.
The city is paying approximately $6,700 a month in salary and benefits while Kearbey remains on leave.
Massingham initially said the city was awaiting the state's investigation report before determining what would happen.
Missouri State Highway Patrol reports are complete, according to sources.
Kearbey is accused of exhibiting a pump action, short-barrel shotgun in a threatening manner in front of street department clerk Regina Gray.
He later told patrol investigators he was teasing Gray about being a liberal, according to court documents.
Gray testified Monday, along with assistant street superintendent Jody Hessling.
The clerk alleges Kearbey pumped the shotgun several times before asking, "Did I put the fear of God in you?"
She said the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. Sept. 12, and she contacted officers at 9:30 a.m. that day.
Hessling testified the street superintendent was showing him the gun and talked about Gray being a liberal and being scared. He did not believe Kearbey's actions were threatening, or done in an angry or rude manner, according to Hessling.
Associate Circuit Judge John Bloodworth ruled that because of the testimony regarding statements, "Are you scared?" and "fear of God," there was sufficient evidence for the case to advance to trial.
Kearbey was arrested Sept. 14 and released after posting a bond of $25,000 cash or surety. He is charged with unlawful use of a weapon.
He was first named interim superintendent in early 2015 by former city manager Heath Kaplan. This position is filled by city manager appointment.
Kearbey became interim after the former head of the department was arrested on suspicion of shooting a woman at his Barron Road home during a custody dispute. A trial for Jeremy Grable has been scheduled for March 2018 for three counts each of assault and armed criminal action, all felony charges.
Grable was immediately suspended without pay following his arrest and later fired by the city.
The city's personnel manual, under suspension pending investigation, says certain alleged offenses "may warrant placement on administrative suspension without pay pending investigation."
This includes acts which present a danger to public health or safety, or criminal conduct.
Staff reports contributed to this article.